A quick way to meet the sea up close. This small-group snorkeling experience in Playa Chica, Puerto del Carmen is built around one thing: you’re not just floating around—you’re getting coached the whole time. You learn what you’re seeing, from common shore fish to smaller critters like nudibranchs, with instructors on hand for safety and equipment help.

I really like the setup: all snorkeling gear is included, plus you get a focused theory briefing before you hit the water. I also love the instructor-led pace—names like Martín, Laura, and Lorenzo come up for a reason, including patience, humor, and keeping things relaxed.

The main consideration is simple: you need to be able to swim, and it’s not listed for kids under 6. If you’re not comfortable in open water, this may feel more stressful than fun.

Snorkeling In Puerto del Carmen: What You Get for 2 Hours

This tour runs for about 2 hours total, with roughly half an hour of briefing and 1 hour in the water. That time split matters. You spend enough time learning how to use the mask and snorkel properly, and then you get a solid block to enjoy seeing fish without feeling rushed.

You’ll be in the Atlantic around Puerto del Carmen, focusing on local marine life tied to the Macaronesia region. The whole point is practical: you’ll be shown what to look for and how to recognize it, not just where to swim.

Meet at Playa Chica and Get Your Gear Sorted Fast

Your meeting point is Playa Chica (Puerto del Carmen). Important detail: this is the dive site, not a dive center. Look for the Atlantis van parked nearby and for instructors in bright yellow. You should also see white gear boxes with names on them, ready to go.

This kind of organized setup helps more than you’d think. When you’re wearing unfamiliar gear, small delays can turn into clumsy frustration. Having your equipment staged—plus a team waiting—keeps you moving.

The tour also includes a water activities insurance component, so the provider is covering the activity in a standard way. You’ll still want to listen carefully during the safety talk, because your instructor’s job is to keep you comfortable and stable in the water.

The 30-Minute Briefing: Learn Before You Float

Before you get wet, you get a 1/2 hour theory briefing. That time isn’t just a lecture. It’s where you get your bearings: how to use the snorkel and mask, how to breathe calmly, and how to handle your equipment so you’re not fighting it while fish are zipping past.

It’s also where the instructor sets expectations about the environment. You’ll get explanations about the land and aquatic setting of the area, and the types of species you can realistically spot near Puerto del Carmen.

This is one of the tour’s best values, because snorkeling is easier when you know what to do with your face and your hands. Once your gear is working, you can actually watch what’s happening under the surface.

In the Water for 1 Hour: Safety, Floating Skills, and Real Sea Life

Once you’re in the water, you’ll be accompanied by a guide. Their job is practical: teach how to use the equipment correctly and help with safety while you snorkel.

You’ll spend about 1 hour in the water, which is long enough to get into a rhythm. Short tours often feel like a quick pass. Here, you have time for multiple spotting moments—turning your head, pausing, and letting creatures come into view.

What you might see under the surface

The tour is designed to help you identify the typical Atlantic shore life for this area. You’ll learn about the fish families that live along these waters, with examples like parrotfish, barracudas, rays, and angelfish.

You’ll also cover non-fish animals you might spot, including octopuses, cuttlefish, and nudibranchs. If you’ve never tried to identify nudibranchs before, this is a nice change from the usual “big fish only” approach. They’re small, but they can be some of the most interesting creatures once you know what you’re looking for.

And yes, there can be surprises. One participant noted seeing angel sharks, and plenty of reviewers highlighted a lot of fish sightings—so don’t expect it to be a quiet, empty swim.

How the instructor changes your experience

Because you’re guided, you’re not stuck staring at the same patch of water. Instructors can point out what to watch for and help you stay calm if you’re adjusting to buoyancy.

That “someone is watching out for me” feeling shows up repeatedly in feedback. It’s also why the small group matters. When the group is limited to 8 participants, your guide can actually manage spacing and attention.

The Small Group Advantage: More Attention, Less Chaos

This is a small group tour, capped at 8 participants. That’s not just a comfort factor—it affects how much you can ask questions and how quickly you can get help if your mask isn’t fitting right or you’re feeling unsure.

Some bookings list situations where the group can be very small (even solo). In those cases, it becomes a more personal experience—less waiting, more direct guidance, and more flexibility to spend a little longer with something you find interesting.

If you hate feeling like you’re part of a conveyor belt, this size is a big reason to consider booking.

Price and Value: Why $59 Can Make Sense

At $59 per person for a 2-hour experience, the value depends on what’s included—and here, a lot is already covered. You get:

• All snorkeling gear
• Water activities insurance
• One professional instructor
• Briefing theory and 1 hour in the water

When you compare this to the cost of renting gear, plus the cost of paying for a guide, it starts to look like a straightforward deal—especially for a guided learning experience. You’re paying for time with an instructor who helps you see and understand marine life, not just access to the water.

Also, the tour is built for recognition. If you leave knowing what you saw—rather than just thinking you saw “fish”—you’re getting more out of the outing.

What to Bring (and What Not to)

You’ll want to show up prepared, since this is a water activity.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Not allowed:

• Alcohol and drugs

Also, the tour is explicit that you need to be able to swim. If you can swim comfortably, you’ll enjoy the freedom. If you’re a shaky swimmer, take that seriously.

Languages, Guide Support, and Realistic Expectations

Instructors are listed in English, Spanish, and Catalan. That’s helpful if you want to ask direct questions about species or how to handle the equipment.

What you should expect is a structured, instructor-led snorkel session: briefing, gear, then guided water time with explanations about fish families and sea creatures of the area. You may also interact with your guide and share videos and photos after the swim, and multiple participants said they liked having videos/photos from the experience.

Keep expectations grounded. Snorkeling is weather- and visibility-dependent. But with an instructor directing your attention, you’ll typically spend your time more effectively.

Who Should Book This Snorkel Tour

Book it if:

• You want guided snorkeling, with help using the mask/snorkel
• You care about learning names and traits of what you see
• You prefer a small group size
• You’re comfortable swimming and don’t need a beginner-only, shore-in-a-tub experience

You might skip it if:

• You don’t swim well or you’re easily panicked in open water
• You’re traveling with children under 6 (not suitable per the tour info)

It’s also listed as wheelchair accessible, so if mobility needs are part of your planning, this option is designed with access in mind.

Should You Book Atlantis Diving Lanzarote’s Puerto del Carmen Snorkel?

I’d book this if you want a snorkeling trip that teaches you while you swim. The biggest strengths are the included gear, the structured briefing, and the small group attention. When your instructor helps you read the water and identify what’s around you, an hour goes fast—in a good way.

But don’t book it if swimming is your weak spot. This isn’t described as a float-and-watch activity for non-swimmers. If you’re confident in the water, you’ll likely leave with a stronger sense of what’s living out there than you would from a casual snorkel.

If your goal is learning plus real time in the Atlantic, this tour is a solid pick.

FAQ

What time is the snorkeling activity scheduled for?

The tour lasts about 2 hours total. You’ll need to check available starting times when you reserve.

How long will I be in the water?

You get about 1 hour in the water, after a theory briefing.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers or children?

The tour info says you need to be able to swim. It’s not suitable for children under 6, and it’s not listed for non-swimmers.

What gear is included?

All snorkeling gear is included, and you’ll receive it from the organized setup at the meeting site.

Where do I meet the instructor?

Meet at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen. This is the dive site (not a dive center). Look for the Atlantis van and instructors dressed in bright yellow.

Which languages are offered?

The instructor speaks English, Spanish, and Catalan.